Asbestosis Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee disability and remanded other issues due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the combined effect of COPD and asbestosis on the Veteran's employability. A new VA examination is needed to assess whether these conditions prevent the Veteran from securing and maintaining a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim to establish service connection for a respiratory disability, including due to in-service asbestos exposure, is being remanded as new and material evidence has been received. The Board finds the issue of service connection reopened but requires further examination to determine if the current respiratory disabilities are related to military service.

The Veteran's lung disability, including asbestosis and asbestos-related bilateral interstitial fibrosis, was rated at 10 percent prior to June 6, 2018. From June 6, 2018 to November 19, 2018, the rating increased to 30 percent. After that date, the disability remained at a 60 percent rating.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic obstructive lung disease, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his in-service asbestos exposure. The appeal was based on direct evidence of a link between service and the veteran's current health conditions.

The Veteran's tinnitus had its onset in service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.,The VA is remanding the asbestosis claim due to a need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and securing service personnel records.,An additional VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's erythema multiforme with Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the Veteran's asbestosis and its relation to his service. The case will be returned for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board has found that more development is necessary for the claims of service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, colon cancer and respiratory disability (asbestosis). The Veteran's exposure to chemicals during service may not be conceded based on his naval service as there is no suggestion of herbicide exposure. However, these disabilities can still be awarded based on a direct basis.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's lung cancer is related to his in-service asbestos exposure and whether it was caused or aggravated by asbestosis.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a retrospective analysis of the Veteran's service-connected pleural-based asbestos lung disability from January 29, 2010 to April 2, 2018. The examiner is asked to identify symptoms attributable to the Veteran's service-connected condition prior to April 2, 2018 and assess the severity of his lung disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches is granted. The claim for service connection for scarring on lungs is remanded due to lack of evidence and need for verification.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including asbestosis with fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, atrial fibrillation, and right ankle sprain with instability and tendonitis, have resulted in severe impairment to employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined rating of 50% for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and failure to consider relevant evidence, including the Veteran's service treatment records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory condition as secondary in-service exposure to asbestos is now remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's asbestosis is rated at 60 percent, but the VA examiner found that his condition may be due to other conditions like COPD. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed as the appeal is moot due to his death.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and prostate cancer were denied as not related to service. The Board found that the Veteran's GERD, gastritis, right ring finger injury, and foot disability are secondary to his service-connected sinusitis.,Service connection for these conditions is being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

Service connection for asbestosis is granted.,Service connection for cause of death due to asbestosis is granted.,Service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to asbestos exposure is remanded.,Service connection for diabetes due to herbicide exposure is remanded.,Service connection for kidney failure due to herbicide exposure is remanded.,Service connection for heart condition is remanded.

The Veteran's asthma is granted service connection, but the claim for asbestosis remains pending due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis, hepatitis C, diabetes, and PTSD. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for back disability, chronic fatigue syndrome, and chronic pelvic pain have been denied. The Board found no current disabilities related to these conditions.,For the condition claimed as due to asbestos exposure, the Veteran has not provided evidence of a current disability or persistent symptoms that may be associated with her in-service exposure.